Great Pompey Survey: Matchday experience results

Steve Wilson

The famous Fratton Park atmosphere is not what it once was – according to the results of the second part of our Great Pompey Survey.

With the matchday experience under the microscope this week, the results make for interesting reading, especially when it comes to the noise inside the famous old venue.

Out of more than 700 fans who took part in the survey, more than two thirds were dissatisfied and felt the atmosphere had diminished.

The overwhelming majority (60 per cent) answered that it wasn’t like it used to be, while around four per cent even believe it is now ‘absolutely pathetic’.

In contrast, around 14 per cent of the voters felt the atmosphere is still really good at Fratton Park, while almost a quarter were satisfied.

In looking for reasons behind the supposed deterioration in the atmosphere, results and performances on the pitch would surely have some bearing and it is several years since the club enjoyed a season of success.

An interesting footnote to the noise generated during a game saw a big majority in favour of the drums in the Fratton end – something certain supporters feel has hindered songs in recent times.

However, just 15 per cent voted along those lines, while more than 43 per cent felt John Westwood’s noisy crew helped to build the atmosphere. The club’s ticket pricing was roundly applauded by those who voted – with a huge majority believing they are either very fair (70 per cent) or excellent value (12 per cent).

Only 14 per cent felt the issue needs addressing with just five per cent of that claiming they are too expensive.

The standard of the catering at Pompey did not gain quite such glowing feedback but still met with the approval of most with the top answer that it ‘does the job’ (46 per cent) and was priced as ‘okay’ for the vast majority (59 per cent).

The length of time queuing at food outlets has also put plenty off from buying anything with 24 per cent insisting they no longer bothered and 39 per cent believing it takes far too long, compared with 36 per cent who had no complaints.

Although the replacement of the old Fratton end clock picked up a fair number of votes (20 per cent), a clear issue for the supporters inside the ground are the toilet facilities.

Around 35 per cent of voters felt that is the main improvement required at Fratton Park.

More than half of the public felt the toilets were inadequate (36 per cent) or appalling (22 per cent) with just a handful (four per cent) suggesting they are good.

Other opinions to emerge from the survey were the use of the Milton end with 54 per cent of voters opting to keep the away supporters behind the goal.

The club’s facilties for disabled supporters also warrants attention, according to the survey, with 33 per cent of voters suggesting it needs vast improvement and 14 per cent deciding they are simply not good enough.

One thing at Fratton fans can accept is the Tesco development with 48 per cent happy to put up with it and another 28 per cent who have apparently not even noticed its construction.